Applying to College – AdmitOne™http://admitoneblog.org
Expert Advice on College AdmissionsWed, 28 Feb 2018 20:51:32 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.4.2Appealing an Admissions Decisionhttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2712
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2712#respondThu, 22 Sep 2016 18:13:55 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2712There are no guarantees in the college admissions game. Sadly, qualified candidates get rejected all the time. Though most students usually accept their fates and move on, some applicants won't give up the dream. And those individuals might look to appeal their decisions. But is an appeal the right move? While we understand the impetus, [...]

]]>There are no guarantees in the college admissions game. Sadly, qualified candidates get rejected all the time. Though most students usually accept their fates and move on, some applicants won't give up the dream. And those individuals might look to appeal their decisions. But is an appeal the right move?

While we understand the impetus, there are a few points to consider before rushing off to appeal. To begin with, you must research the policy of the school in question. Some institutions have specific protocols and/or parameters established for this process. Other colleges might not allow for it at all. Look up this information and then begin crafting your appeal immediately as this is not a decision that can linger.

Of course, you need to think carefully about the content of the appeal. Simply writing (and believing) an admissions committee has made a grave mistake is not reason enough. You don't want to write a letter that merely second-guesses the school's decision. Universities put a lot of time and care into evaluating candidates; it's not prudent to suggest otherwise.

Additionally, you do not want to compare yourself to classmates who have received an acceptance letter and insinuate that you were actually the stronger applicant. It makes you appear both bitter and petty (not attributes schools want to see in their student bodies). Similarly, there's no need to highlight the fact that your rank, test scores, etc. fall within the mean for admitted students. The college likely had to reject a number of applicants who fell within those same figures. Plus it's a good rule of thumb to avoid reiterating information that was included with your original application. After all, it won't really strengthen your argument.

However, there is reason to appeal if you've uncovered an error or an issue with your application. Was it incomplete through no fault of your own? Perhaps incorrect GPA calculations were sent in or the wrong SAT/ACT scores submitted? While these are rarities, they do happen. If the admissions office evaluated your candidacy based on erroneous information, it certainly makes sense to reach out.

You may also consider appealing if you have new, significant information that could boost your candidacy. For example, perhaps you received remarkably improved test scores after the deadline. Or maybe you just won a prestigious award or have begun conducting important research in the field you wish to pursue. We can't guarantee that any of these will alter the decision, but they could be worth mentioning.

Regardless of your specific reasons for appealing, you want to be very careful with the tone of your letter. Make sure you don't beg, whine or make excuses. Be polite, direct and mature. State your case in a friendly and thoughtful manner. And, of course, be sure to proofread. Typos won't do you any favors!

We do feel compelled to mention that it's rare to see an admissions decision reversed. Sadly, the vast majority of the time, appeals don't work. Of course, just because something is difficult or unlikely doesn't mean you shouldn't follow through. But it is important to head into this process with realistic expectations.

Look - rejection is difficult. However, as you already know, life will be full of ups and downs. Getting turned away by your top choice isn't necessarily a commentary on who you are or your ability to find success, both in college and beyond. If you choose to appeal a decision, that's fine. But, we also urge you to begin looking closely at the schools to which you were accepted and to start getting excited about the opportunities they offer. We assure you - they will be just as great!

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=27120Getting Recruited for College Sportshttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2697
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2697#respondMon, 12 Sep 2016 17:42:18 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2697From the moment you first stepped out onto the field, you knew you were an athlete. You love the competition and camaraderie that comes with being on a team. You thrive on digging deep and pushing yourself (and your body) farther than you thought possible. And, perhaps most important, you simply find the game fun. [...]

]]>From the moment you first stepped out onto the field, you knew you were an athlete. You love the competition and camaraderie that comes with being on a team. You thrive on digging deep and pushing yourself (and your body) farther than you thought possible. And, perhaps most important, you simply find the game fun. You know you want to continue playing in college, if possible. But how do you actually go about getting recruited for college sports?

If you're interested in being recruited, you'll have to put in a lot of work and research. To begin with, think about the type of school you would like to attend. Do you want to stay local or experience another part of the country? Are you envisioning yourself at a big state university or small liberal arts college? What kind of majors/academic departments interest you? These factors are just as critical as any sports team.

As you start narrowing down your list of prospective schools, you can begin investigating their sports programs as well. Look into their levels of competition and how big their rosters are. In which positions are they the strongest? In which positions are they lacking? For example, is the star pitcher a graduating senior? Or is there a freshman rookie who won the coveted starting spot? You want to keep an eye out for programs that will need to fill the position you play. Additionally, research the backgrounds of the coaches. What are their approaches to the game? Try and deduce whether their coaching styles will mesh with your own sensibilities.

Beyond conducting research, you'll want to make sure you're proactive about your actual recruitment. This means reaching out to the coaches/schools for whom/which you hope to play. Send an email expressing your interest. You should include a resume with statistics from previous and current seasons as well as any career highlights/accomplishments you've achieved thus far.

Moreover, it's also common for athletes to send along video footage. Fear not; you don't need Hollywood quality film or even fancy graphics. Instead, you want to focus on incorporating highlight clips that demonstrate your ability and prowess. You can also include some footage that shows off your form, strength, agility, etc. And, it's smart to insert some extended footage from a game so coaches get a taste of your skills in real-time.

Aside from reaching out to schools, many hopeful athletes increase exposure by attending recruiting tournaments and/or sports camps. These programs can help you improve your game and help you get noticed. However, we should mention that many coaches arrive at these events having established contact and/or a rapport with certain athletes already. This doesn't mean they can't or won't take notice of students they don't know. But it is something of which you should be aware.

Additionally, students interested in being recruited for sports must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Through this process, students validate/cement their status as an amateur athlete. Thankfully, it's pretty easy to do; you just need to pay $50 and supply a social security number. Nonetheless, you must not skip this important step.

Of course, throughout this process, it's essential not to lose sight of the fact that college athletes are still students. Hence, your academic record will also come into play. You must make sure you keep your grades up and fulfill specific course requirements to secure your eligibility. You can be the best athlete in the world but if you don't meet the minimum standards for academic success, you will not be accepted. Make an appointment with your guidance counselor to discuss whether you (and your transcript) are on the right track!

Finally, we do want to mention that the NCAA has very strict rules about recruitment. For example, coaches typically cannot reach out to athletes themselves until late into a student's junior year. And these rules can actually vary between divisions, sports, etc. If you're serious about becoming a college athlete, it would behoove you to research these guidelines and how they pertain to your specific sport.

There's a tremendous amount of hard work and diligence that goes into becoming a college athlete. If you think you're interested in playing at the collegiate level (no matter if it's Division I or Division III), start doing the legwork now. The better prepared you are, the more opportunity you're likely to find.

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=26970Corresponding with Admissions Officershttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2718
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2718#respondFri, 09 Sep 2016 18:17:48 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2718Planning on becoming pen pals with an admissions officer? Make sure you know the proper etiquette first! Following your visit to the college fair, you find yourself flush with business cards from various admissions officers. And now you’re thinking about capitalizing on some of these contacts. After all, questions still linger and you figure it [...]

]]>Planning on becoming pen pals with an admissions officer? Make sure you know the proper etiquette first!

Following your visit to the college fair, you find yourself flush with business cards from various admissions officers. And now you’re thinking about capitalizing on some of these contacts. After all, questions still linger and you figure it makes sense to go directly to the experts. It’s definitely a smart move on your part. But are you confident that you know how to craft these kinds of emails?

To begin with, consider the email address you’ll be using. Are you planning to write from an account that has a jokey, inappropriate or perhaps immature name? If so, think about creating a new address that simply incorporates your name (or some version of it). You don’t want to send an email from an address that might raise some eyebrows.

Similarly, think carefully about the language you choose. As it stands now, you’re probably used to logging into your Gmail account and shooting off quick emails to friends. And within those letters, you might use shorthand (ex. spelling “two” with a “2”) or some colorful language. However, that’s not suitable given this context. While you don’t need to craft the email in the vein of an academic paper, you definitely want it to read as professional and polite as possible.

Moreover, if you decide to reach out, make sure you’re doing so with good reason. Indeed, akin to what we advocated for the fair, don’t ask questions to which you could easily find the answer on a school’s website or within its pamphlets. Have specific queries and/or concerns. This will certainly show that you’ve done your research. Further, it will allow you to demonstrate genuine interest in the school. And, just as important, the admissions officer won’t feel as though you are wasting his or her time.

Remember, you should not use this correspondence as a time to brag or bolster your candidacy in any way. Nor should you use this opportunity to submit any facet of your application. All of this will be seen as inappropriate. You don’t want to appear oblivious, self-involved or as though you’re abusing this connection.

You may end up exchanging several emails with an admissions officer. And that’s great. However, don’t mistake this correspondence for friendship. Make sure you don’t begin using a more casual, familiar tone. Additionally, do not begin increasing the number of emails you send (i.e., no daily updates). And don’t ask any personal questions or inquire about your status and/or candidacy. Be sure you remain professional and mature throughout the duration of your correspondence.

Finally, just as you would with a research paper or any facet of your application, make sure you proofread the email before you hit send. Any hint of laziness will surely leave a bad impression. You want to avoid being seen as sloppy at all costs.

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=27180The Waiting Game: What to Do After Your College Applications Are Submittedhttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2533
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2533#commentsWed, 08 Jan 2014 08:30:23 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2533It’s here at last - second semester of senior year! You’ve been anticipating this moment since you first stepped foot into your high school. The standardized tests have been taken, personal statements written and college applications submitted. All that’s left to do is kick back and wait! Actually, not so fast; while the heavy lifting [...]

]]>It’s here at last - second semester of senior year! You’ve been anticipating this moment since you first stepped foot into your high school. The standardized tests have been taken, personal statements written and college applications submitted. All that’s left to do is kick back and wait! Actually, not so fast; while the heavy lifting is perhaps complete there’s still plenty of work to be done.

To begin with, you can’t wholly abandon your studies. While an admissions committee won’t be assessing your application based upon your second semester grades, they will still see them. Moreover, it’s important to understand that even if you receive an acceptance, your admission is conditional. Colleges can revoke your acceptance if your academic performance waivers drastically. Therefore, while you won’t have to log endless hours in the library, you still must exert some effort.

Outside of keeping up with your regular studies, you should also be getting your paperwork together for the FAFSA. To refresh your memory, the FAFSA is a form used by the U.S. Department of Education to discern your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This information is then used by most colleges and universities to determine your eligibility for all means of financial aid. While deadlines vary amongst states and schools, the FAFSA can be submitted any time after January 1st. The earlier you submit the better.

Of course, securing financial aid doesn’t simply begin and end with filling out the FAFSA. Sigh, if only it were that easy. Beyond submitting those forms, you also must be proactive about searching for scholarships. There are a number to be found but you will need to put in the time and research. Application deadlines vary so, once again, the earlier you start your hunt the better. You can uncover scholarships via a myriad of avenues – local organizations, non-profits, national corporations, state government, your parents’ employers, etc. And, of course, check out your scholarship matches on MyCollegeOptions.org.

Additionally, if you haven’t yet seen any of the schools to which you applied, now would be a great time to plan a visit. After all, there’s the possibility that you’ll receive multiple college acceptances. Campus visits give you a sense of what each school is like. The information you glean and opinions you form while walking around will definitely come in handy as you make your final decision.

Second semester of your senior year may operate at a more relaxed pace. And while there’ll be plenty of time for fun and celebration, it’s critical you don’t lose sight of the work that still needs to be accomplished. Though you should certainly set aside some time to figure out who you’ll take to prom!

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=25331Dealing With College Rejection Lettershttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2527
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2527#respondMon, 02 Dec 2013 20:11:56 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2527Beyond ushering in the holiday season, December also heralds the first wave of admissions decisions. Indeed, those students who applied early acceptance/early action will soon be receiving notification. It’s an exhilarating albeit nerve-wracking time. For some, it’ll be a moment of excitement, elation and relief. For others, well, there might be tears, disappointment and confusion. [...]

]]>Beyond ushering in the holiday season, December also heralds the first wave of admissions decisions. Indeed, those students who applied early acceptance/early action will soon be receiving notification. It’s an exhilarating albeit nerve-wracking time. For some, it’ll be a moment of excitement, elation and relief. For others, well, there might be tears, disappointment and confusion. Yes, getting rejected is bound to happen to some of you. It’s simply the sad reality of the admissions game.

Naturally, we here at My College Options realize this can be a difficult time. To that end, we thought we’d offer up some advice on how to best deal with rejection.

It’s okay to be upset.

Rejection is difficult, no matter the context. It’s important to understand that you’re permitted to be sad or upset. Allowing yourself to feel these emotions is completely healthy and, in fact, a vital part of the healing the process. Just make sure you don’t dwell in a negative head space for too long.

Talk to a trusted friend, family member or guidance counselor.

Often times, talking through your emotions and venting your frustrations can help you find closure or clarity. Consider speaking with a friend who also received a rejection. You’ll be able to sympathize with each other and perhaps buoy each other’s spirits. You might also want to talk with your parents. After all, they’re certainly your biggest champions. Moreover, they’ve probably encountered a stumbling block (or two!) in their life. And they can likely shed some insight on how to overcome a setback. Finally, schedule an appointment with your guidance counselor. He/she can analyze the situation and help you focus on other options.

Make a list of pros and cons for the school.

Aside from being a wildly fun activity, crafting a list of pros and cons will likely provide some much needed objectivity. Find a moment for some earnest reflection and really think about what your dream school would have offered, warts and all. You might come to the realization that things have actually worked out for the best. Additionally, the list can be used for comparison against the schools you’re still considering. You could be pleasantly surprised to discover just how closely some your other collegiate options really do measure up to this particular school.

Ask for feedback.

We know it might sound a little awkward or intimidating, but you can contact an admissions office to inquire about their decision. Many schools are happy to shed some light on the thought process involved. And you can use their answers to potentially tweak your other applications accordingly.

Realize it’s not the end of the world.

When you receive a rejection letter, it can appear as though the world is crashing down upon you. In the blink of an eye, everything you worked for seems for naught. However, the reality is really far less dramatic. You will be okay. You will survive. Everyone gets rejected from time to time. In fact, plenty of your peers are probably facing the same predicament. Getting rejected from a school doesn’t signify that you’ll never be successful. Or that you should rethink your dreams and professional ambitions. It simply means that you won’t be pursuing your studies at a particular institution.

Listen, rejection is difficult. No one wants to be turned down, especially from a school they had their heart set on attending. If you find yourself in this situation, try not to get too discouraged. Sure, you can take a moment to wallow. However, don’t let yourself be waylaid by this one decision. Instead, realize that this isn’t a commentary on your worth; colleges are frequently forced to reject qualified candidates. Do your utmost to move past this minor (yes minor!) roadblock and begin to focus on the other higher ed. possibilities that are sure to come your way!

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=25270Brainstorming Tips for Your College Essayhttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2477
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2477#commentsTue, 24 Sep 2013 08:30:19 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2477Well, fall has officially arrived! For you seniors, this change in seasons should be viewed as a gentle reminder to begin filling out all those college applications in earnest. You know – the ones that have been piling up (ed. note: you should have already started!). With deadlines looming, you need to grit your teeth [...]

]]>Well, fall has officially arrived! For you seniors, this change in seasons should be viewed as a gentle reminder to begin filling out all those college applications in earnest. You know – the ones that have been piling up (ed. note: you should have already started!). With deadlines looming, you need to grit your teeth and really buckle down.

Naturally, the most time consuming facet of these apps will be your essays/personal statements. And despite those wonderful essay prompts, you might still be feeling unsure of how to begin. Therefore, we figured we’d offer a few brainstorming tips to get the good ol’ creative juices flowing.

Read, Read, Read. If you’re feeling lost and uninspired, consider picking up a book or a newspaper. Reading someone else’s stories can spark your own ideas and imagination. And it can help reaffirm the basics of good writing!

Write (or review) your resume. Take a moment to catalogue all of your work experience and extracurricular involvement. As you assess your achievements, make sure you include details and specifics. The deeper you delve, the more likely you are to jog your memory and hit on a great topic.

Peruse some sample essays. Often times, it’s useful to see how other individuals approached a task with which you’re struggling. Their execution can certainly inspire your own. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should adapt an existing essay to meet your needs. Your personal statement must come from you!

Make a list! Yes, at first glance lists might seem banal and boring. However, they are actually a fabulous way to kick-start your brain. You can begin by listing personal attributes or fun personality quirks, places you’ve traveled or even songs you love. Before you know it, you’ll be leapfrogging from one idea to the next!

Try free association. Free association is a fantastic brainstorming exercise because it really allows you to tap into your unconscious. Begin with any random word and just see where your train of thought takes you. Don’t fret over spelling or whether you’re choosing the “right” word. Simply let yourself write. You’ll likely start to notice some recurring themes. And these premises might just lead you to a fabulous essay topic!

Keep writing! Don’t kill your momentum by censoring yourself. Every idea holds potential. And every thought and subject can be revised and tweaked. If you continually judge and doubt your work, you’ll quickly end up derailed. Allow yourself to simply sit at the computer and type. Openness and relaxation will lead to insight.

Step away from your essay. Yes, we realize this probably sounds counter-intuitive and counter-productive. However, staring at a blank screen for hours on end isn’t all that helpful. Indeed, writer's block can feed on itself. Don’t just sit at your desk letting the stress build. Get up and move around. Tackle some other homework, go for a walk, chat with a friend. Time away from the computer allows for a mental reboot. You’ll return feeling refreshed and raring to type out a killer essay!

It can take time to craft a strong personal statement. And the task can feel quite intimidating, especially when all you have are empty pages. However, there’s no need to freak out if you don’t immediately produce something brilliant. Just employ a few of these tactics and you’re bound to strike gold…eventually!

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=24772Letters of Recommendation: How to Approach Your Teachershttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2459
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2459#commentsTue, 03 Sep 2013 08:28:35 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2459Hey seniors – we know you’re gearing up to tackle those college applications! And that means that, sooner or later (hopefully sooner!), you’ll have to reach out to a handful of teachers and ask for a recommendation. Therefore, we figured we’d assemble some advice for how to properly broach the subject. You know, on the off [...]

]]>Hey seniors – we know you’re gearing up to tackle those college applications! And that means that, sooner or later (hopefully sooner!), you’ll have to reach out to a handful of teachers and ask for a recommendation. Therefore, we figured we’d assemble some advice for how to properly broach the subject. You know, on the off chance that you were a tad apprehensive about the whole process.

Here’s our list of top 10 tips:

1. If possible, ask in person.2. Approach your teachers during their down time (i.e. after school, free periods, etc.); you’ll all be too harried in between classes.3. Don’t operate on the assumption your teachers will say yes.4. Let your teachers know why you’ve chosen them.5. Ask if they’d feel comfortable writing on your behalf.6. Tell them which majors you’re (potentially) considering.7. Offer a list of extracurricular activities/awards or a resume to use as a reference point.8. Provide all necessary documents and deadlines!9. Don’t wait until the last minute.10. Say thank you!

Remember - letters of recommendation are an important facet of your application. After all, they provide great insight into your academic prowess and intellectual abilities. So, don’t let your trepidation slow you down or stop you from asking altogether! Follow these tips and you’ll be able to approach any teacher with confidence.

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=24592College Planning: 10 Ways to Stay Focused Over the Holidayshttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2338
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2338#commentsMon, 19 Nov 2012 17:14:06 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2338Daylight savings has come and gone. The days are getting shorter and Halloween candy supplies are quickly dwindling. This can only mean one thing – the holiday season is just around the bend. For the vast majority of students, the holidays can’t come soon enough. They are a welcome respite from our day-to-day responsibilities and [...]

]]>Daylight savings has come and gone. The days are getting shorter and Halloween candy supplies are quickly dwindling. This can only mean one thing – the holiday season is just around the bend. For the vast majority of students, the holidays can’t come soon enough. They are a welcome respite from our day-to-day responsibilities and an opportunity to celebrate and indulge. In the rush to embrace the season, the desire to ignore or postpone our more mundane tasks is pretty great. However, we encourage you to fight the urge to completely drop everything (even if you’re in the grip of a massive food coma). After all, you don’t want to greet the new year feeling like you’re already behind the curve.

Here’s a “Top 10” list for how to stay productive and focused while maintaining your holiday cheer:

Make a list of all upcoming, post-vacation deadlines. (Think SAT/ACT registration dates or college application deadlines.)

Be proactive and tackle one assignment/project every day.

Stay well rested.

Don’t attempt to do detail-oriented work in the midst of chaotic holiday preparations.

The holiday season is obviously a great time to kick back and enjoy the company of loved ones. We certainly don’t condemn taking a moment to swap stuffing recipes with your aunt, go caroling with your best friend or play tackle football with your grandfather. However, we just caution that you try and strike a balance between work and play. After all, holiday spirit alone won’t get those college applications completed.

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=23382Demonstrating Leadership During High Schoolhttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2328
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2328#commentsThu, 08 Nov 2012 20:39:03 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2328It’s pretty much a given that election season will bring discussions about leadership into sharp focus. We debate fiercely about whom will best represent our interests and ideals. Election Day is officially behind us, but the topic of leadership should still be on your mind as you prepare for college. As you make your way [...]

]]>It’s pretty much a given that election season will bring discussions about leadership into sharp focus. We debate fiercely about whom will best represent our interests and ideals. Election Day is officially behind us, but the topic of leadership should still be on your mind as you prepare for college.

As you make your way through high school, one sentiment you’ll hear repeatedly is that colleges value applicants who demonstrate leadership. And while that’s a useful piece of information, you might be wondering how exactly one emerges as a leader. After all, you’re a solitary person in a student body that likely numbers in the hundreds or thousands. How do you distinguish yourself? Naturally, we have a few suggestions for you!

Get Some Experience

Listen, we think it’s great that you want to take charge and make a mark on your school. However, you can’t expect to immediately become president of the environmental club or an editor of the school newspaper. Sheer desire is rarely enough to automatically propel you to the top. You first need to get involved and demonstrate your passion and interest. Moreover, you have to learn how a club functions and recognize the goals of said organization. After all, how can you expect to lead if you don’t understand the processes that are in place?

Maintain Good Humor and Optimism

It’s inevitable that we will all encounter trials and tribulations in our lives. However, what separates a good leader from bad is how he/she handles stumbling blocks. Strong leaders don’t get stymied instantly nor do they dissolve into a pool of negativity. Instead, they know how to rally the troops and retain focus in spite of issues. They prove themselves to be dependable and demonstrate that they can barrel through (or around) obstacles. And great leaders convince others that they can do the same!

Learn from Your Mistakes

Mistakes are another one of life’s inevitabilities. We’re all going to make them. And that’s a fact. However, great leaders don’t shy away from mistakes. Nor do they sweep them under the metaphorical rug and deny that they happened. Instead, leaders understand it’s important to own up to a mistake. They view errors as learning opportunities and recognize how to grow from them.

Be Confident

Confidence is key to achieving a leadership position. Think about it; would you want to take orders from someone who ends every statement with a question? Do you want to follow someone who stares at his/her feet when making conversation? People are much more willing to get behind a person who is poised and self-assured. If you don’t believe in yourself why should anyone else?

Consider Your Strengths

If you hate public speaking, there’s not much sense in attempting to become president of the debate team. It doesn’t matter if a club is the largest, the most popular or an organization you think might attract attention from colleges. There’s no sense in climbing the ranks if you’re miserable. Instead, focus on activities and topics about which you’re passionate. Your enthusiasm and sincerity will shine through. And that will allow people to put their trust in you!

Be a People Person

To be a successful leader requires strong interpersonal skills. You’ll need to be a solid listener and great communicator. Further, you have to be open to other people’s ideas and follow the golden rule of treating others as you’d like to be treated. Above all, everyone wants to feel valued and know that their voice has been heard.

It’s great that you’re thinking about pursuing a leadership role at school. Helping to run a club is a fantastic way to challenge yourself and to anchor yourself within your school community. Follow these simple rules and you’ll be running the show in no time!

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=23281Gearing up for Standardized Testshttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=1640
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=1640#commentsWed, 12 Sep 2012 21:37:02 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=1640The advent of September means many things: the beginning of football season, pumpkin spiced lattes, leaves changing color and, of course, the first wave of standardized test dates. For seniors, these coming dates signify their last chance(s) to squeeze in these tests or improve their scores before application deadlines begin hitting. For juniors (and perhaps [...]

]]>The advent of September means many things: the beginning of football season, pumpkin spiced lattes, leaves changing color and, of course, the first wave of standardized test dates. For seniors, these coming dates signify their last chance(s) to squeeze in these tests or improve their scores before application deadlines begin hitting. For juniors (and perhaps an ambitious/anxious sophomore), it’s the start of a year filled with number 2 pencils, scratch paper and interminable test booklets. To help ease the anxiety these exams often conjure, we figured we would offer you some test taking tips (you’re welcome).

Get a good night of sleep. A classic piece of advice perhaps but it still should be stated nevertheless. A good night’s sleep will allow you to wake up feeling refreshed, invigorated and focused. Additionally, clocking in at just around four hours, these tests are a bit of a marathon. You’ll need energy to get yourself through. Plus, if you walk into the test site groggy, you’re likely to make careless mistakes.

Don’t spend the evening before furiously cramming. Logging hours of study and test prep is a good thing. However, we advise against cramming the night before the big exam. You’re more likely to work yourself into a ball of stress and anxiety than actually have a productive study session. Instead, put the books away, kick back and try to relax. Trust that all the hard work you (presumably) put forth before this evening was enough.

Make sure you arrive early. Leave yourself plenty of time to get to the test center. You don’t need to increase your anxiety tenfold by having to race to the site and franticly search for parking. After all, it’s best not to get your pulse racing even before you take your seat. Arriving early will give you time to adjust to your surroundings, take a few deep breaths, use the bathroom (very important!) and get yourself mentally prepared to kick butt!

Don’t linger on a question. Don’t forget – these are timed tests. You don’t want to get tripped up or distracted by a single question. If you’re having difficulty discerning an answer, move on to the next question. If time permits, you can always revisit the question.

Keep your eye on the clock. As we just mentioned above, these are timed tests. While it certainly doesn’t behoove you to be a clock-watcher, you should be aware of both the time allotted and when you begin a particular section. This will allow you to pace yourself accordingly and hopefully ensure you get through each section in its entirety.

Make educated guesses. As you might already be aware, the SATs penalize you for incorrect answers. Therefore, if you have absolutely no clue how to answer a question, it’s best to leave the question blank. However, if you can confidently eliminate at least one or two of the available choices, it is in your best interest to guess. With regards to the ACTs, there is no penalty for guessing. Therefore, you should never leave an answer blank.

Don’t try and simply race through the test. There is no prize awarded to the person who finishes a section and/or test first. Colleges won’t see the speed with which you tore through the booklet. In fact, rushing through the test could very easily lead to misread passages or directions and careless errors (like filling out the wrong answer grid). Instead, we recommend you take your time. While there’s no need to labor over a question (and as we said before that can also prove detrimental), allow yourself the opportunity to fully consider each question, even if you think you instantly know the correct answer.

Don’t try and sniff out the experimental questions. Both the SATs and ACTs plant experimental sections and/or questions somewhere within the tests. These are questions that might potentially be used for future tests. However, they are designed to remain well hidden. Indeed, you will never know if the question you just answered is part of your actual test or an experimental test question. And to that end, you should attempt to answer everything to the best of your ability.

Relax. We saved the most important piece of advice for last. We realize it’s easier said than done of course. But if you can manage to relax, you’ll do yourself a world of good. If you’re able to remain calm, you’ll be able to remain focused. Try not to put so much pressure on yourself. Even though this might feel like the most important test of the century (aside from your driving test of course), it’s still only one test. It’s important to keep that in perspective. It’s only one test. It will not define who you are and it will not define or color your entire future. So just walk confidently into the classroom, take a deep breath and give it your best shot. Ultimately, that’s all anyone can do.